FAQ's

What are Gloves Required signs used for?

These signs tell workers to put on hand protection before entering an area or doing a job. Hands are the most frequently injured part of the body in factories and warehouses. A Gloves Required sign at the entrance is one of the ways to make sure people wear gloves when they need to.

Where do Gloves Required signs need to be posted?

These signs should be placed at the entrance to areas where chemicals are handled or stored. They should also be near cutting and grinding machines. They go at metalworking and welding stations. They are also needed in food processing areas where hand protection is required for hygiene. They go near places where broken glass or sharp objects are handled. They go anywhere a worker’s hands touch something hazardous or a sharp edge as part of their job.

Should the sign specify what type of gloves are required?

Yes, where the hazard is specific enough to matter. Gloves that stop cuts are very different from gloves that resist chemicals. These are different again from gloves that protect against electricity. A sign that says "Chemical-Resistant Gloves Required" helps workers more than one that just says "Gloves Required." If the wrong gloves could be a problem in your workplace, being clear on the sign is important.

What OSHA standards apply to glove requirements and signage?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 covers hand protection. It requires employers to look at the dangers and choose the gloves. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 covers the duty to assess personal protective equipment. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.145 covers signs and tags that help prevent accidents. For chemicals, other standards under 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z may also apply.

Are Gloves Required signs needed in food handling areas well as industrial ones?

Yes. In food processing and food service, gloves are used for hygiene reasons. FDA food safety rules and HACCP programs often require gloves at steps in food handling. Putting up signs at these steps helps make sure the rule is followed all the time.

We have a multilingual workforce. Do pictogram-based signs work better than text-only ones?

Pictograms communicate the requirement instantly regardless of language. A Gloves Required sign that shows a clear image of a gloved hand alongside the text works better across a mixed-language workforce than text alone. For facilities with workers who read multiple different languages, leading with the pictogram and supporting it with text is the most inclusive approach.

Will these signs hold up near chemicals or oils that could get on the surface?

The waterproof vinyl material resists small chemical splashes. It can be cleaned during cleaning. In places with chemical exposure, make sure the sign is in a place where it stays easy to read. Replace the sign if the message fades or is damaged over time.